Engine oil question
Engine oil question
(OP)
My Ford Ranger ( 4 cylinder inline engine) calls for 5W-20 engine oil. The factory knows far better than I, but it just seems a bit thin to me. Is there any reason that this grade would be more desirable than, say, 10W-30?





RE: Engine oil question
I suspect that many of the smoking vehicles you see are owned by people who would gladly save $20/yr by skipping oil changes, or who never check to see whether their oil is getting low. I wonder how long they go between changes - 15,000 miles seems very "doable" with synthetic (mfr recommended interval on some newer cars), and "natural" oil seems to hold up well into the 7000mi+ range.
RE: Engine oil question
Finally, as to "Enginebobs" comment about late model cars with oil controls, I frequently visit the dyno labs at a VERY modern engine research facility, and also review the emission results. I almost never see a smoker there, and if I do, the emission results are way out of range. Oil control is not such a problem as it has been in the past. The "smokers" tend to be from high mileage autos which have had less then ideal service, abused, poorly maintained, etc. A recent comment overheard at a manufacturers conference relayed this: "Our engine warranty's due to oil consumption is almost nill". A quick look at vehicles which have failed roadside emission tests reveal my previous comments to be true, and also, a very high number of them with "Check Engine Lights" illuminated.
The auto of today is without a doubt better built than those of 15 years ago, or even 10 years ago.
Franz
eng-tips, by professional engineers for professional engineers
Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips Fora.
RE: Engine oil question
Last year a friend of mine told me about a major engine problem he had with a Dodge Intrepid that developed heavy sludge deposits despite proper oil changes. Despite his engineering background I silently questioned his story.
It turns out his experience is not unique, and Toyota and VW and Audi are facing similar problems.
http://www.cleveland.com/business/plaindealer/inde...
There may be situations that make engines of different makes more vulnerable than others, but I'll be keeping an eye on oil appearance while continuing extending the oil change interval. I have to decide how silly I think it is to be scared for my old Volvo IF Toyota's problem is inadequate crankcase ventilation. Then there is risk VS fear, the age old insurance question.
RE: Engine oil question